Sport

Aaron Nola Landed on Injured List: What It Means for the Phillies

2025-05-16

Author: Ken Lee

Phillies Facing a Major Hurdle with Nola's Injury

The Philadelphia Phillies are navigating through a tough situation as star right-hander Aaron Nola has officially been placed on the 15-day injured list due to a sprained right ankle, retroactive to May 15th. In his absence, the team has recalled Daniel Robert to fill his spot on the roster.

Mick Abel's Major League Debut

In a significant move, the Phillies have decided to promote prospect Mick Abel for his major league debut on Sunday, albeit just for a spot start. Following this opportunity, he will return to Triple-A. Meanwhile, Taijuan Walker is set to take over Nola's rotation position. Walker, who had started the season strong with a 2.54 ERA in his first six games, was shifted to the bullpen when Ranger Suárez returned.

Nola's Diminishing Form

Nola's performance had been on a downward trajectory, culminating in a dismal outing against the Cardinals where he allowed nine earned runs over 3 2/3 innings. With a current ERA of 6.16, his earlier struggles can't solely be attributed to the ankle injury, as he had already been grappling with a 4.61 average over his first seven starts this season.

Prospects in the Pipeline

The spotlight is now on Mick Abel, a former first-round pick whose stock has seen a dip due to inconsistent control. Despite this, his current form in Triple-A—boasting a 2.53 ERA across eight starts—gives the team hope. Abel's strikeout rate stands at an impressive 26.6%, although his walks remain a little high at 9.9%.

Impact on Other Prospects

Adding to the challenges, the Phillies have also revealed that Moisés Chace, another promising pitching prospect, will need Tommy John surgery. Chace, a recent acquisition from the Orioles trade, was poised to climb the ranks quickly but now faces a prolonged recovery period, expected to keep him sidelined until at least summer 2026.

Looking Ahead for the Phillies

With Nola's absence and Chace's injury, the Phillies must rely on their other arms to maintain competitiveness. Walker's return to the rotation could be crucial, but the team's depth will be tested. As they prepare for the upcoming games, all eyes will be on Abel as he aims to make an immediate impact and prove his worth on the big stage.